Joel Embiid Move Over as LA Makes Case for NBA MVP and It’s Not LeBron James

Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers’ star, was a front-runner in the 2024 MVP race. However, all his hopes & dreams came crashing down after Embiid suffered multiple injuries, ending in a torn meniscus in his left knee. But there is a new Los Angeles player in the mix and it isn’t LeBron James!

Kawhi Leonard has entered the MVP conversation and has been generating MVP buzz with his stellar performances. From fans to coaches to experts, Leonard is slowly becoming a favorite for the title. The LA Clippers have won a staggering 25 out of their last 30 games and with the stacked-up All-Star team, they seem to be making waves throughout the league.

MVP Chatter around Leonard

Clippers Coach Tyronn Lue was also reported stating that Leonard should certainly receive MVP consideration this season after he got MVP chants at the free-throw line before his last game.

Ever since his trade from the Toronto Raptors to the LA Clippers, Leonard has been holding down the fort and how! In their last 30 games, “the Klaw” has been cooking with an average of 26.4 points per game. As per Statswilliams, he’s the first player ever to average 25 points on 55-50-90 shooting splits over any 30-game span.

Clippers dominate with Kawhi Leonard

The Los Angeles Clippers had their last showdown with the Atlanta Hawks and beat them 149-144 and continued their winning streak. Leonard delivered an outstanding performance with a whopping 36 points in just 37 minutes including 5 threes and 5 assists.

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Even in their previous game before that, the Clippers emerged victorious over the Miami Heat 103-95 with Leonard carrying  the team on his back with a 24-point performance. Additionally, Kawhi has the fifth-best defensive rating in the league.

Throughout the season, Joel Embiid went head-to-head with Nikola Jokic for the title of the “Most Valued Player” in the league with his incredible performances. However, with his left knee surgery underway, he likely won’t complete the 65-game minimum requirement to be a contender for the MVP. With Leonard being the driving force for recent Clippers’ wins, will the 32-year-old  add the well-deserved MVP trophy to his collection? Stay tuned for more!

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